DALLAS, TEXAS: In a historic result, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic and socialist candidate, won the New York City mayoral election by a decisive lead.
His victory marks a new chapter in the city's political history and has had repercussions throughout the United States. Mamdani has become New York's first Muslim and Indian-American mayor.
Just one day before Mamdani's victory, Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a controversial statement, announcing that he would impose a “100% tariff” on anyone moving from New York City to Texas. Abbott posted the statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“After the polls close tomorrow night, I will impose a 100% tariff on anyone moving to Texas from New York.”
Although Abbott's comment appeared to be a political coup, it sparked a serious legal and ethical debate. Under the United States Constitution, states cannot impose tariffs on individuals, since every citizen has the constitutional right to travel, reside, and work freely in any state.
President Donald Trump, who endorsed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the race, harshly criticized Mamdani, calling him a “communist.” Trump warned that if Mamdani were elected, “New York City would become a total economic and social disaster.”
Despite the fierce attacks, Mamdani's campaign—focused on affordability, free childcare, free public buses, and rent freezes—resonated strongly with voters. Following the election results, celebrations broke out across New York, while Abbott's “100% tariff” declaration was widely mocked on social media as unconstitutional, inflammatory and even humorous.
Political analysts say Mamdani's victory represents the rise of a new urban political movement in the United States, driven by middle-class families, renters and younger voters who gravitate toward socialist ideas and economic justice.
Meanwhile, in Texas, Abbott's statement has become the subject of memes and online satire. One user joked:
“If Mamdani already won, Abbott could also impose a tariff on New York ideas.”
This mix of humor and politics reflects a deeper reality: the 2025 election has become more than a political contest: it is a battle of ideologies and values that shape the future of the United States.
